Great Expectations: A Cognitive Behavioral Counseling Game

Great Expectations is a game to help children manage expectations of self and others, to consider self-talk and the emotional impact of it, and to set expectations based on past results.  This game also addresses ambiguous grief, such as the loss of a friend or the impact of a lost relationship.  Topics include “Enjoying the Journey,” “Magic Wand,” “Worth the Wait,” “Jumping to Conclusions,” “Unrealistic Expectations,” “Severed Dreams,” “Poisonous Thoughts,” and “High Hopes, Low Expectations.”

There are many aspects of expectations, from embracing their current phase in life and living in the here and now, to learning to accept disappointment.  This game would be helpful for helping children process the frustrations of having family members come and go from their life. This game could be used in group, individual, or family sessions.